Mangaluru: A series of first aid training sessions were launched in govt and private schools across Charmadi and Neriya. The initiative is supported by the emergency dept of KMC Hospital, and is led by Dr Murali Krishna Irwathraya, medical director of Shri Krishna Hospital. The initiative aims to foster awareness and prepare school children in rural areas to handle medical emergencies.The sessions, which are held even on Sundays, were conceptualised by Dr Irwathraya after noticing increasing reports of sudden heart attacks, even in rural areas. “Saving a life is not the sole responsibility of doctors. Anyone with the right knowledge and presence of mind can make a difference,” he said.Students are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, road accidents, snake and dog bites, electric shocks, burns, drowning, lightning strikes, and bleeding injuries. The programme demonstrates basic life support (BLS) techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), with clear instructions of how to adapt it in different real-life scenarios.Launched in July, six sessions have been held so far at St Savio School, Bendrala; Government High School, Kakkinje; Government Primary School, Thotathady; St Thomas High School, Gandibagilu; Karunya English Medium School, Kakkinje and Govt Primary School, Bayalu. More schools are added to the schedule.“Many students have heard of CPR, but lack clarity on how to perform it correctly. Given the hilly terrain here, injuries from falls are common, and unfortunately, superstitions often override medical logic. These sessions are an attempt to break myths surrounding first aid,” Dr Murali said.Paramedics are also part of the training effort, ensuring students receive practical, scenario-based instruction. The initiative is already encouraging more schools to introduce first aid training, he added hoping that this training could be extended beyond Charmadi.
